Boris Johnson: Our thoughts are with people of Nice, France

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New Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson says "our thoughts are very much with the people of France and Nice" after this "absolutely appalling incident" which involved a truck driving into a crowd of people during Bastille Day celebrations.

Mr Johnson, whose first engagement as Britain's new foreign secretary was at the French ambassador's Bastille Day party in London, said on Twitter: "Shocked and saddened by the appalling events in Nice, and the terrible loss of life."

French police forces and forensic officers stand next to a truck

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister is being kept updated on reports coming in from Nice.

"We are shocked and concerned by the scenes there. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible incident on what was a day of national celebration.

"The FCO are in touch with the local authorities to seek more information and we stand ready to help any British nationals and to support our French partners."